Why This Sol de Janeiro Scent Is Objectively the Best
January 29 | 5 minute read
Words by Izzy Wight
What classifies a ‘best scent’ is subjective – except, of course, if we’re talking about Sol de Janeiro’s beloved Cheirosa range. This is when my opinion is always the right one (it’s Cheirosa 59).
My qualifications are that a) I work at MECCA, b) I have sniffed an abundance of fragrances in my lifetime and c) I recently engaged in a heated debate on this exact topic with my little sister, and I’m pretty sure I won.
For the unacquainted, every Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa Perfume Mist has its own number, and those fragrances are usually part of a bigger scent collection (for example, the ‘Bum Bum Cream scent’ is Cheirosa 62).
In my opinion, Cheirosa 59 is the best of the collection. I want to bathe in it, wash my clothes in it and have it disperse from my pores (with the new Rio Deo 59 Aluminum-Free Deodorant, that’s actually kind of possible). Adding the Delícia Drench Shower Oil to my bathroom caddy has only kicked the obsession up a notch. My ‘everything showers’ now look like this: hydrate with the shower oil, lock in moisture with the Delícia Drench Body Butter and finish with a spritz of mist. You can get the whole routine in the new Delícia Drench Jet Set.
Since it’s an extensive collection, I’ll talk about some of the other fragrances, too. If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing a Sol de Janeiro scent before, here are the fragrances you might like if…
You’re a sucker for cashmere
While some of the Sol de Janeiro scents pack a punch (an addictive, gourmand-y one, but a punch nonetheless), Cheirosa 59 feels more delicate, like opting for a plum danish over a slice of frosting-heavy birthday cake. It smells like buttery vanilla, sandalwood and soft, powdery violets. Boosted with Sol’s deeply hydrating Brazilian Soothing Complex, the Body Butter in this scent is also a saviour for dry skin. Finish with a spritz of Cheirosa 59 in your hair for a scent that’s feminine, soft and sweet without ever feeling overpowering.
Experience the scent in the Delícia Drench Shower Oil, the Delícia Drench Body Butter, and the Rio Deo 59 Aluminum-Free Deodorant.
You have a lip combo in every handbag
Some people will tell you Cheirosa 62 is the quintessential Sol de Janeiro scent. Those people are wrong because it’s clearly Cheirosa 68. Following the same theme, it’s a little subtler than some of the other scents in the collection – the same base of sweet, velvety vanilla but with notes of lychee, jasmine and hibiscus layered on top. Some claim it smells strikingly similar to a certain cult-favourite luxury scent… all I know is that it’s delicate and delicious. For a scent that follows you everywhere, start in the shower: the Beija Flor Body Wash, followed by the Elasti-Cream and a spritz of Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist.
Experience the scent in the Beija Flor Elasti-Cream, the Beija Flor Body Wash, and the Rio Deo 68 Aluminum-Free Deodorant.
You only sleep on silk pillowcases
Experience the scent in the Bom Dia Bright Cream, the Bom Dia Bright Body Wash, and the Rio Deo 40 Aluminium-Free Deodorant.
Dessert is always a non-negotiable
Finally, it’s Cheirosa 62: the TikTok-viral Bum Bum Cream scent you’ve probably smelt before (even if you didn’t realise it). It’s a true gourmand, a summer classic and an eternal crowd-pleaser. While I don’t pick up on the pistachio as much, to me, it smells like rich salted caramel, tropical sunscreen and creamy coconut – beach days, bottled.
Experience the scent in the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, the Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil, and the Brazilian 4Play Shower Cream Gel.
If in doubt, remember the stakes aren’t that high – you really can’t go wrong with a Sol de Janeiro scent (Cheirosa roughly means ‘to smell incredibly delicious’). Try sampling the scents in-store before you buy, order a smaller-sized mist first if you’re shopping online or better yet, just buy Cheirosa 59. Trust me.
